Congratulations to Ry Elphinstone who will play in his 100th game for the Eagles this weekend!
Congratulations to Ry on 100 games for MOCFC.
While it may not have been the outcome he was hoping for as he lined up at St Kilda’s father son testing day as 14 year old, standing at 165 cm and weighing 95 kgs, in need of a total knee replacement, he should be mighty proud of the career he has formed for himself at the Marcellin Old Collegians.
Ry has risen steadily throughout his career at Marcellin, however the beginning to his career was far from a fairytale story. Being left out of Simon Abraham’s u/19 round one side in 2016, Ry was forced to hone his skills and earn his stripes. When his chance came in round 7, Ry took his opportunity with his customary two hand approach, and stuck it up Abbes, being named second best on ground. Ry went on to be a mainstay at fullback for the remainder of the season.
The following year Ry got his first taste of open age football, and quickly took to the challenge of playing on the opponents best forward each week. During this period, Ry’s confidence got mixed with arrogance, stating that he wouldn’t lose sleep if he were to be playing on Jack Darling the following day. Ry went on to be a key reason the reserves made the grand final that year, and was named third best for Marcellin on the day.
From here, Ry and I did not play much football together, as Ry became one of the first picked in the senior team. Unfortunately for myself, my stat line took a beating when Ry moved up a level, as I could no longer feast on the coaches directive to never let Ry kick, primarily due to the previously mentioned two handed approach to dropping the footy to boot.
Ry has taken great pride in being a constant presence and voice in the senior backline, frequently taking the best key forward for opposition clubs. Ry frequently boasts about ending the career of a VAFA Prem C centre half forward hall of famer after being judged best on ground for his negating role.
It’s been a privilege to play alongside you Ryba, and to watch you progress and establish yourself as a key figure in the Marcellin Old Collegians senior team. If you could learn how to kick a drop punt, I think St Kilda might look at you again as a potential mature age father son selection.
If not, the Marcellin Old Collegian’s will be happy to have you for another 100 games.
Go well mate,
Daniel Lunn
